A Retrospective Cohort Study Demonstrating the Impact of an OPEP Device on Exacerbation-Related Health-care Costs in COPD Patients With Chronic Bronchitis

Abstract

SESSION TITLE: Airways 1 SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Poster PRESENTED ON: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM PURPOSE: The Aerobika* Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device has been shown to significantly improve measures such as ease-bringing-up-sputum, FVC, quality of life and 6MWD in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients with chronic bronchitis (CB)1. This investigation reports moderate to severe exacerbation related healthcare cost data from real-world outcomes over 6 months among COPD patients with CB. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of the Charge Detail Master (CDM) hospital claims database was conducted between September 2013 and August 2015. The final study sample comprised of 810 patients, 405 received an Aerobika* OPEP device and were propensity score matched with 405 controls (matching included, amongst others, history of exacerbations, comorbidities and drug usage). The study inclusion criteria were: ≥1 record pre-index, ≥1 record post-index, newly initiated on Aerobika* device, ≥1 diagnosis of CB on/before index, ≥18 yrs old, no evidence of other PEP/OPEP anytime, with complete records. Moderate to severe exacerbations were defined as requiring either a hospital ER visit or hospital admission. RESULTS: The mean cost of moderate to severe exacerbations per patient was significantly lower for the OPEP group than matched controls at 30 days ($6,347 lower, p=0.008), 3 months ($6,600 lower, p=0.031) and 6 months ($9,936 lower, p=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Patients in the OPEP device cohort exhibited significantly lower costs throughout the 6 months study period. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings suggest that the drug-free Aerobika* OPEP device may be an effective addition to a disease management plan for COPD patients with chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations.